DRUGS, SEX AND ROCK & ROLL POLYPHARMACY, MARITAL AIDS AND WHEEL - - PDF document

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DRUGS, SEX AND ROCK & ROLL

POLYPHARMACY, MARITAL AIDS AND WHEEL CHAIRS

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?

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A TIME FOR REFLECTION

How does aging impact us as individuals? How does it impact us as family members?

Individually

• Some things are better?
• Some things aren’t as good as they used to be.
• Some things are just no longer interesting.
• Some things are more interesting than every

before. What has changed?

• Partners
• Jobs
• Perspectives on life and what is important?

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PROFESSIONALLY

• What has changed as you’ve aged?
• What is changing for your friends and family

as they age?

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO US?

DO WE KEEP ROCKIN’?

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MOVE TO MORE PEACEFUL PURSUITS?

SERENITY?

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SOMETHING ELSE? THE END OF EVERYTHING?

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HARDLY! WHAT ARE THE FACTS?

• What is the fastest growing age group in the

U.S.?

– 85 years of age and older

• What is the most significant psychological

issue diagnosed in those over 60 years of age?

– Anxiety: How to deal with it?

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Depression

• What percentage of those over 65 years of age

are diagnosed with depression?

– People 65+ living at home a low rate (1%) compared to the general population. Nursing home rates are much higher 25 to 40%. – Self‐report scales are used for assessment. Interviews are preferred for diagnosis. – Assessment of an older adult should include a medical

• exam. Recommended it be done first to r/o medical

problems, medications taken and substance abuse (not readily disclosed).

Treatment for depression

• Most effective is a combination of CBT and

pharmacotherapy

– Patient seen as being unduly negative in their beliefs and employ maladaptive information processing strategies. – ECT for cases not responding to

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ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

• Depression can be first symptom

– Estimated: 30 – 50% of AD patients have depression

• Dementia and death

– About 5% of people between 65 and 74 develop Alzheimer’s.

CHRONIC DISEASE

• Statistically, arthritis is present with 50% of

females over 65, males over 75.

• 80% adults over 60 have chronic disease; pain

is most common complaint

• ½ of all drugs OTC are taken by people 60+

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How long will I live?

• 25% of longevity is attributed to genes

(identical twin studies)

• 75% dependent on environmental/behavioral

influences

Segal, D.L., Qualls, S.H. & Smyer, M.A. Aging and Mental Health, 2nd ed. Wiley‐Blackwell. 2011

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR US

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SERVING OURSELVES THROUGH PREPARATION

• What three things to slow the onset of

negative aspects of aging?

– Social Involvement – Physical Fitness (especially aerobic) – Mental stimulation‐new languages, new neural pathways, new learning – Continued sense of meaning and purpose

LIFE ISSUES

Family Grandchildren Being born Providing some level of care

Loss Partner Parents Children Friends Career

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LIFE ISSUES

MENTAL ACCUITY

• Remembering facts, figures not an issue.
• Problem solving, however, can be more
• challenging. Can still do it, but it may take a

little longer.

People over 50

PLAN BEYOND THE FINANCIAL

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RETIREMENT

DEVELOPMENT

Impacts

Psychological

Identity Self‐esteem

Financial

Short‐term Long term

Family

How does it change your relationship, if at all?

FAMILY

• Partner loss‐grief comes at all ages. How is

this different for the senior citizen?

– Assistance in dealing with a wide variety of concerns – Holder of stories that make up our life narrative – Financial loss – Entertainment – Listener – General support

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FAMILY

• Seniors taking care of their parents

– 85+ is the fast growing age group in the country – Consequences

• Reduced social contacts
• Reduce ability to deal with own needs
• Feelings of guilt for feeling resentment, but also

experience feelings of satisfaction due to “giving back”

• Increasing disappointment about fading dreams

SO?

For the most part what you are doing now will determine what you will be able to do 10 and 20 years from now and beyond. Physically, Mentally, Socially BUT WE NEED A PLAN

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WHAT TO CONSIDER?

• Relationship questions and complaints

– What are you doing here? – No, you can’t tell me how to do it! – How much time can we possibly spend with each other?

• Social

– Work friends – Couple friends (if a couple) – Family – Activities

• Intellectual

– Growth – Stimulation – Decline

• Spiritual

– Find the cause that gives meaning a purpose

WHAT COMES NEXT?

• New career? Hobbies?
• What are my interests?
• What are my abilities
• Who would I work for?
• What will I do to keep me getting out of bed and feeling good about what I’m

doing with my life?

• What can I volunteer to do?
• What do I like to do?
• Who needs me?
• Entrepreneurs
• What business could I start?
• Silver Spokes—leading groups of bicyclists who are senior citizens

based on ability

• What might be yours?

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IT’S UP TO YOU!